Former NRL player admits fighting demons early in career

Former NRL player admits fighting demons early in career

FORMER Broncos winger Scott Minto knows too well the pain of tackling tough opponents - on and off the field.

Scott openly admits that when he debuted in the National Rugby League competition in 2002 with the Brisbane Broncos, he spent the first two years fighting his personal, injury-related and confidence demons.

The 34-year-old Rockhampton-born player owes a debt to former Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett, who loaned his shoulder to Scott while he was trying to tackle his problems.

Bennett was among a number of motivators who guided Scott through two years of turbulence, while playing for the Broncos, before things became smooth sailing for the former winger.

Scott spoke out yesterday after a Rugby League Week annual players' poll showed 20% of players suffered from depression - and as the league world comes to terms with the loss of young star Alex Elisala.

The 20-year-old died on Monday after an incident in Mackay.

Scott agreed to share his experiences to try to help others who might be dealing with the same issues.

His own on-field dilemmas stemmed from problems with fitness, as a result of injury, which in turn led to self-doubt and ongoing emotional stress to perform.